For many years, the differences and inequalities between men and women have been a focal point of discussions in society. Even today, these conversations are as pertinent as ever.

Shianne Fox, a female landscaper from Sydney, Australia, recently sparked a storm on social media by criticizing what she perceives to be a glaring workplace inequality: while men can work shirtless under the blistering sun, women cannot.

The Heat Debate

Anyone who’s worked outdoors knows how punishing it can be when the sun is blazing overhead. If you’ve experienced a sweltering day on the road or at a construction site, this will resonate with you. Growing up, it was common to see shirtless road or construction workers on hot days—a sight that, though less frequent now, still occurs.

Shianne Fox, also known as “The Bikini Tradie” online, expressed her frustration on TikTok when she was forbidden from removing her shirt in the soaring heat of 104°F (40°C).

“It’s a scorching 40-degree day and I’m required to keep my shirt on, while the men don’t,” she vented. “It feels like a double standard and it’s genuinely frustrating. I just want the option to work like the men — but apparently, I would ‘distract’ them.”

Fox, who often works in bikini tops due to the heat, is advocating for equal treatment, similar to her male colleagues.

Equality or Overreach?

With over four years of experience in male-dominated trades, Fox feels comfortable in her profession. She argues that working without a top shouldn’t be deemed distracting, insisting it’s a “natural thing.” Critics, however, emphasize the importance of societal norms and workplace standards, suggesting professionalism should supersede personal comfort.

“On such a hot day, while many male colleagues work shirtless, I found it only fair to do the same,” she explained. “I’m not embarrassed about showing my body, and I believe everyone should mature enough to not see it as a distraction.”